Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has launched its cargo operations under the brand name Riyadh Cargo, marking its formal entry into the global air cargo market and the activation of belly-hold cargo services across its wide-body fleet.
Riyadh Cargo will leverage the substantial capacity available on Riyadh Air’s orderbook of more than 120 wide-body aircraft to move goods efficiently and reliably, strengthening connectivity between global markets. The cargo operation is being developed through a deliberate, phased strategy designed to build a scalable and fully integrated business anchored at the airline’s Riyadh hub. Growth will be aligned closely with network expansion and the airline’s increasing operational maturity.
The cargo division has already begun operations as part of the carrier’s wider ‘Pathway to Perfect’ process and has demonstrated early operational momentum on the Riyadh–London Heathrow route. During this initial phase, Riyadh Cargo has successfully transported significant volumes across a diverse range of commodities, including garments and textiles, fresh flowers, seafood, tea and coffee. These early movements highlight the operation’s ability to manage time-sensitive, perishable and high-value shipments with consistency and reliability.
Pravin Singh, Global Head of Cargo at Riyadh Air, said the cargo business has been designed with a long-term vision from the outset. “Riyadh Cargo has been built with a clear focus on operational discipline, reliability, and long-term scalability,” he said. “Launching within a live environment allows us to test, learn, and continuously refine how we operate, while delivering real value to our customers from the get-go. The launch of the brand is a foundational step in building a cargo business that grows alongside our network expansion and supports Saudi Arabia’s broader logistics ambitions.”
